A word to the wise from Philip Lazaro

Hosting a weekly dance segment on “Eat Bulaga!” was one of my first television gigs (dance talaga?!).

I remember it was veteran stand-up comedian and actor Philip Lazaro who would give me last-minute instructions before airing. He used to be one of the consultants of the noontime show (may konsultasyon kay doc?!) I have so much respect for Philip who has been in the business for more than two decades now (samantalang ’yung iba, nag first day, last day lang!).

Philip Lazaro

“I love my craft and so I study it. Hindi lang basta isang araw sumabak ako rito or it just fell on my lap. As a stand-up comedian, I study my materials and I try to be original and sensitive all the time. Hindi lang basta bira nang bira. As an actor, I study my role, para ’di pare-pareho ang atake,” Philip said. (May pag-atake?!)

We recently got reunited on “Eat Bulaga’s!” “Quiz Vee” segment. I congratulated him on his new GMA show “I Heart Davao,” and for his regular shows at Zirkoh and The Library which he says will always be part of his career. (Ako ba, anong part meron ang career ko?!)

He is thankful for the blessing of being on TV and in the movies all these years.

“What is good about TV acting, you get to rehearse your lines and perfect your look. Once you do it right, you can always do better the next time. Ang laki ng mileage ng TV. You can be a household name easily.” (Ako, household lang, no name!)

He has this reminder for those who think showbiz is the career for them: “If you think you have it, work hard for it. Study, observe and focus. Be disciplined. If you think you don’t have it naman, may ibang trabaho din naman dyan. Kung nag-succeed sa showbiz si Pedro, it doesn’t mean ikaw din.” (Gusto ko po maging Pedro! Push!)